Pakistan's Musharraf warns against protests

Islamabad: Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has warned that he would not tolerate protests after next week's elections and called on parties to "show grace" if they lose.

Musharraf's remark on Thursday drew criticism from the parties of opposition leader Nawaz Sharif and murdered former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, and the US State Department.

Musharraf said he was committed to democracy "but not if it leads to the country being declared a failed state." He called on parties to refrain from urging followers to protest.

Opposition parties have threatened to launch street protests if they believe Monday's vote for parliament has been rigged. Musharraf has pledged "free and fair" elections.

A senior official of Bhutto's party said on Friday his group would try to remove Musharraf if it wins the elections.

"The ouster of Musharraf will put Pakistan back on the track of real democracy," said Babar Awan, a member of the central executive council of the Pakistan People's Party.

In Washington, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack criticised Musharraf's suggestion, saying "people have the right to peacefully protest."